Statement on Nic KerdilesThe NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement has ruled

Nic Kerdiles

Oct. 19, 2012

MADISON, Wis. -- The NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement has ruled on the appeal regarding the eligibility of Wisconsin freshman forward Nic Kerdiles.

The committee reduced the withholding penalty to 30 percent from the NCAA staff's original decision to penalize Kerdiles with a withholding of one year and a loss of a season of competition. The reduction means that Kerdiles will miss Wisconsin's first 10 regular-season games, which includes the two games already played against Northern Michigan last weekend.

He will be eligible to compete on Friday, Nov. 30 in Wisconsin's game at Denver.

Walter Dickey, Wisconsin's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Regulatory Affairs, who handled the appeal on behalf of the University of Wisconsin, issued the following statement.

"While we recognize the significant nature of a reduction in penalty from a full season withholding to 30 percent, we are dismayed that any penalty whatsoever was imposed on Nic Kerdiles in this matter. We remain confident that the facts demonstrate Nic had no culpability. The facts serve as evidence that he has the kind of character we believed he had when he was first recruited. Throughout this ordeal, Nic has demonstrated nothing but poise and integrity consistent with the outstanding student-athlete we know he is.

"Nic is currently exploring his options which we have encouraged him to do. Our hope is that he remains a Badger."